Preparation of Pinoresinol and Dehydrodiconiferyl Alcohol from Eucommiae Cortex Extract by Fermentation with Traditional Mucor.

Eucommiae Cortex (EC) is frequently used alone or in combination with other active ingredients to treat a range of illnesses. An efficient technical instrument for changing cheap or plentiful organic chemicals into rare or costly counterparts is biotransformation. It combines EC with biotransformation techniques with the aim of producing some novel active ingredients, using different strains of bacteria that were introduced to biotransform EC in an aseptic environment. The high-quality strains were screened for identification after the fermentation broth was found using HPLC, and the primary unidentified chemicals were separated and purified in order to be structurally identified. Strain 1 was identified as Aspergillus niger and strain 2 as Actinomucor elegans; the main transformation product A was identified as pinoresinol (Pin) and B as dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (DA). The biotransformation of EC utilizing Aspergillus niger and Actinomucor elegans is reported for the first time in this study's conclusion, resulting in the production of Pin and DA.

High-yield porphyrin production through metabolic engineering and biocatalysis.

Porphyrins and their derivatives find extensive applications in medicine, food, energy and materials. In this study, we produced porphyrin compounds by combining Rhodobacter sphaeroides as an efficient cell factory with enzymatic catalysis. Genome-wide CRISPRi-based screening in R. sphaeroides identifies hemN as a target for improved coproporphyrin III (CPIII) production, and exploiting phosphorylation of PrrA further improves the production of bioactive CPIII to 16.5 g L-1 by fed-batch fermentation. Subsequent screening and engineering high-activity metal chelatases and coproheme decarboxylase results in the synthesis of various metalloporphyrins, including heme and the anti-tumor agent zincphyrin. After pilot-scale fermentation (200 L) and setting up the purification process for CPIII (purity >95%), we scaled up the production of heme and zincphyrin through enzymatic catalysis in a 5-L bioreactor, with CPIII achieving respective enzyme conversion rates of 63% and 98% and yielding 10.8 g L-1 and 21.3 g L-1, respectively. Our strategy offers a solution for high-yield bioproduction of heme and other valuable porphyrins with substantial industrial and medical applications.

Unraveling the impact of fog on driver behavior in highway tunnel entrances: A field experiment.

OBJECTIVES: This research aims to (1) study the visual and psychological characteristics of drivers in foggy tunnel entrances, (2) compare driver behavior inside and outside foggy tunnels, and (3) propose improvement ideas based on the study results. METHODS: A realistic vehicle trial was conducted. Eight participants completed trials in both foggy and clear zones on the same roadway. Drivers' physiological and psychological properties were analyzed using gaze, saccade, pupil, and heart rate as primary indicators. Pupil area change rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were used as secondary indicators. RESULTS: Visibility and tunnel area had a significant impact on drivers' visual and psychological traits. For instance, drivers in the foggy zone exhibited longer fixation duration, larger pupil area, faster heart rate, and greater HRV. Moreover, the foggy zone inside the tunnel heightened drivers' visual discomfort and psychological tension. CONCLUSION: The study suggests a high risk associated with driving in the entrance area of highway tunnels during foggy conditions, particularly after entering the tunnel. This situation significantly increases drivers' visual and psychological load. Furthermore, the effectiveness of retro-reflective facilities diminishes. Therefore, employing more self-illuminated or actively illuminated visual guiding facilities is recommended to aid drivers in acquiring traffic information.

Prevalence of postprandial hypotension in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with postprandial hypotension (PPH) increase susceptibility to falls, syncope, stroke, acute cardiovascular diseases and even death. However, the prevalence of this condition varies significantly across studies. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PPH in older adults. METHODS: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and CINAHL were searched from their inception until February 2023. Search terms included 'postprandial period', 'hypotension' and 'postprandial hypotension'. Eligible studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Meta-analyses were performed among similar selected studies. RESULTS: Thirteen eligible studies were included, and data from 3,021 participants were pooled. The meta-analysis revealed a PPH prevalence of 40.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.290-0.519] in older adults, and this was prevalent in the community (32.8%, 95% CI: 0.078-0.647, n = 1,594), long-term healthcare facility (39.4%, 95% CI: 0.254-0.610, n = 1,062) and geriatrics department of hospitals (49.3%, 95% CI: 0.357-0.630, n = 365). The pooled results showed significant heterogeneity (I2 > 90%), partially related to the different ages, sex, pre-prandial systolic blood pressure levels of participants, or the different criteria and methodology used to diagnose PPH. CONCLUSIONS: PPH is a prevalent condition in older adults. Further research is needed to confirm this result, and priority should be given to establishing international consensus on PPH diagnostic criteria and designing its diagnostic procedure.

Edaravone dexborneol alleviates ischemic injury and neuroinflammation by modulating microglial and astrocyte polarization while inhibiting leukocyte infiltration.

Poststroke inflammation is essential in the mechanism of secondary injury, and it is orchestrated by resident microglia, astrocytes, and circulating immune cells. Edaravone dexborneol (EDB) is a combination of edaravone and borneol that has been identified as a clinical protectant for stroke management. In this study, we verified the anti-inflammatory effect of EDB in the mouse model of ischemia and investigated its modulatory action on inflammation-related cells. C57BL/6 male mice, which had the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), were treated (i.p.) with EDB (15 mg/kg). EDB administration significantly reduced the brain infarction and improved the sensorimotor function after stroke. And EDB alleviated the neuroinflammation by restraining the polarization of microglia/macrophages and astrocyte toward proinflammatory phenotype and inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6) and chemokines (including MCP-1 and CXCL1). Furthermore, EDB ameliorated the MCAO-induced impairment of Blood-brain barrier (BBB) by suppressing the degradation of tight junction protein and attenuated the accumulation of peripheral leukocytes in the ischemic brain. Additionally, systemic EDB administration inhibited the macrophage phenotypic shift toward the M1 phenotype and the macrophage-dependent inflammatory response in the spleen and blood. Collectively, EDB protects against ischemic stroke injury by inhibiting the proinflammatory activation of microglia/macrophages and astrocytes and through reduction by invasion of circulating immune cells, which reduces central and peripheral inflammation following stroke.

Mitochondrial KATP channel-mediated autophagy contributes to angiotensin II-induced vascular dysfunction in mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study aimed to investigate whether the mitochondrial KATP channel contributes to angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular dysfunction, the development of hypertension, and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: ApoE (-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet were chronically infused with Ang II for eight weeks and concomitantly treated with losartan (ARB), apocynin, or 5-hydroxy decanoate (5-HD), or 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Systolic blood pressure was measured, and pathological changes of aortic or liver tissue were observed. Nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels and vasorelaxation rate were measured, and protein and mRNA expressions were examined by western blot and RT-PCR. Ang II-induced development of hypertension was suppressed not only by ARB, and apocynin but also by 5-HD or 3-MA. Ang II infusion decreased aortic NO production and relaxation, as well as SOD2 activity in liver, which were improved by all treatments. In addition, Ang II-induced activation of autophagy was suppressed by 5-HD in aortic tissue, furthermore, Ang II increases the atherosclerotic index in plasma and exacerbates the development of atherosclerosis by increases of fat deposition in the aorta and liver. Lipid metabolism-related mRNA expressions (LXR-α, LDLR, SRBI, Acca, and FASN) were changed by Ang II. Similarly, not only ARB, and apocynin, but also 5-HD and 3-MA suppressed Ang II-induced these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our present findings evidence that mitochondrial KATP channel-mediated autophagy contributes to Ang II-induced vascular dysfunction, development of hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

A cross-sectional investigation of factors influencing mpox vaccine hesitancy for students in Southwest China.

From July to September 2023, China reported over 1, 400 confirmed cases of mpox transmitted mainly through sexual contact between males. Meanwhile, the percentage of men who have sex with men at universities in southwestern China is increasing every year, which is likely to lead to a potential spread of mpox on campuses. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure against infectious diseases, this study examined the willingness of university students in Southwest China to receive the mpox vaccine and analyzed the factors influencing their decision. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 7311 university students from 10 universities in Southwest China between August 13 and September 1, 2023. The survey revealed a hesitancy rate of 56.13% toward the mpox vaccine, with the most common reason being concerns about vaccine safety (1407/4104, 34.29%). Univariate analysis identified 13 variables that significantly differed between the vaccine acceptance and vaccine hesitancy groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated protective factors for vaccine hesitancy, such as sexually transmitted diseases, previous knowledge about mpox, frequent information about mpox, people can get reinfection of mpox, and worries about mpox endemic in China. Additionally, the confidence and convenience dimensions in the 3Cs model were identified as risk factors for mpox vaccine hesitancy. This study found a high rate of vaccine hesitancy among university students in Southwest China regarding the mpox vaccine. Collaboration between university and healthcare departments is recommended to address mpox vaccine hesitancy among college students, thereby promoting their willingness to receive the mpox vaccine.

Breakthrough infection and reinfection in patients with mpox.

Recently, patients with Mpox breakthrough infection or reinfection were constantly reported. However, the induction, risk factors, and important clinical symptoms of breakthrough infection and reinfection of Mpox virus (MPXV), as well as the factors affecting the effectiveness of Mpox vaccine are not characterized. Herein, a literature review was preformed to summarize the risk factors and important clinical symptoms of patients with Mpox breakthrough infection or reinfection, as well as the factors affecting the effectiveness of smallpox vaccine against Mpox. Results showed that MSM sexual behavior, condomless sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, close contact, HIV infection, and the presence of comorbidity are important risk factors for Mpox breakthrough infection and reinfection. Genital ulcers, proctitis, and lymphadenopathy are the important clinical symptoms of Mpox breakthrough infection and reinfection. The effectiveness of emergent vaccination of smallpox vaccine for post-exposure of MPXV is associated with smallpox vaccination history, interval between exposure and vaccination, and history of HIV infection. This review provides a better understanding for the risk factors and important clinical symptoms of Mpox breakthrough infection and reinfection, as well as the formulation of Mpox vaccine vaccination strategies.

Prognostic value of right ventricular trabecular complexity in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the incremental prognostic value of the right ventricular fractal dimension (FD), a novel marker of myocardial trabecular complexity by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). METHODS: Consecutive patients with ACM undergoing CMR were followed up for major cardiac events, including sudden cardiac death, aborted cardiac arrest, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator intervention. Prognosis prediction was compared by Cox regression analysis. We established a multivariable model supplemented with RV FD and evaluated its discrimination by Harrell's C-statistic. We compared the category-free, continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI) and integrated discrimination index (IDI) before and after the addition of FD. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were prospectively included from three centers and followed up for a median of 60 (48, 66) months; experienced 36 major cardiac events were recorded. Trabecular FD displayed a strong unadjusted association with major cardiac events (p < 0.05). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, RV maximal apical FD maintained an independent association with major cardiac events (hazard ratio, 1.31 (1.11-1.55), p < 0.002). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test displayed good fit (X2 = 0.68, p = 0.99). Diagnostic performance was significantly improved after the addition of RV maximal apical FD to the multivariable baseline model, and the continuous net reclassification improvement increased 21% (p = 0.001), and the integrated discrimination index improved 16% (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACM, CMR-assessed myocardial trabecular complexity was independently correlated with adverse cardiovascular events and provided incremental prognostic value. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The application of FD values for assessing RV myocardial trabeculae may become an accessible and promising parameter in monitoring and early diagnosis of risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ACM. KEY POINTS: • Ventricular trabecular morphology, a novel quantitative marker by CMR, has been explored for the first time to determine the severity of ACM. • Patients with higher maximal apical fractal dimension of RV displayed significantly higher cumulative incidence of major cardiac events. • RV maximal apical FD was independently associated with major cardiac events and provided incremental prognostic value in patients with ACM.

Corrigendum to "A novel FGFR1 inhibitor CYY292 suppresses tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis of glioblastoma by inhibiting the Akt/GSK3ß/snail signaling axis" [Genes & Diseases 11 (2024) 479-494].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.035.].

Good learners or trouble makers? Study on the relationship between academic performance and antisocial behavior of junior high school students.

The school bullying incident has aroused widespread concern in current society. How to manage students' anti-social behavior has become an increasingly serious problem for administrators. This study uses a sample of 8270 junior high school students to examine the mechanism of academic achievement on students' antisocial behavior. The results showed that academic performance has a U-shaped impact on antisocial behavior. This study further found that the U-shaped effect of academic performance on antisocial behavior was mediated by the praise; In addition, this study also found that moral identity moderates the U-shaped relationship between academic performance, praise, and antisocial performance. The findings provide the implications for school administrators and teachers to pay attention to the "moral trap" of academic achievement and praise, and pay attention to excellent students' moral education, to reduce the possibility of their anti-social behavior.

A novel FGFR1 inhibitor CYY292 suppresses tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis of glioblastoma by inhibiting the Akt/GSK3ß/snail signaling axis.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor that grows quickly, spreads widely, and is resistant to treatment. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation. FGFR1 was predominantly expressed in GBM tissues, and FGFR1 expression was negatively correlated with overall survival. We rationally designed a novel small molecule CYY292, which exhibited a strong affinity for the FGFR1 protein in GBM cell lines in vitro. CYY292 also exerted an effect on the conserved Ser777 residue of FGFR1. CYY292 dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, invasion, and migration in vitro by specifically targeting the FGFR1/AKT/Snail pathways in GBM cells, and this effect was prevented by pharmacological inhibitors and critical gene knockdown. In vivo experiments revealed that CYY292 inhibited U87MG tumor growth more effectively than AZD4547. CYY292 also efficiently reduced GBM cell proliferation and increased survival in orthotopic GBM models. This study further elucidates the function of FGFR1 in the GBM and reveals the effect of CYY292, which targets FGFR1, on downstream signaling pathways directly reducing GBM cell growth, invasion, and metastasis and thus impairing the recruitment, activation, and function of immune cells.

SARS-COV-2 protein NSP9 promotes cytokine production by targeting TBK1.

SARS-COV-2 infection-induced excessive or uncontrolled cytokine storm may cause injury of host tissue or even death. However, the mechanism by which SARS-COV-2 causes the cytokine storm is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that SARS-COV-2 protein NSP9 promoted cytokine production by interacting with and activating TANK-binding kinase-1 (TBK1). With an rVSV-NSP9 virus infection model, we discovered that an NSP9-induced cytokine storm exacerbated tissue damage and death in mice. Mechanistically, NSP9 promoted the K63-linked ubiquitination and phosphorylation of TBK1, which induced the activation and translocation of IRF3, thereby increasing downstream cytokine production. Moreover, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Midline 1 (MID1) facilitated the K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation of NSP9, whereas virus infection inhibited the interaction between MID1 and NSP9, thereby inhibiting NSP9 degradation. Additionally, we identified Lys59 of NSP9 as a critical ubiquitin site involved in the degradation. These findings elucidate a previously unknown mechanism by which a SARS-COV-2 protein promotes cytokine storm and identifies a novel target for COVID-19 treatment.

Psychological Journey and Coping Styles of Parents of Infants With Biliary Atresia: A Single-Center Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia is a rare and serious neonatal disease that affects the quality of life of both infants and parents. There is currently limited literature on the experiences of parents with infants diagnosed with biliary atresia. PURPOSE: To explore the psychological journey and coping styles of parents of infants with biliary atresia in a single center in Shanghai, China. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used. Face-to-face and semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of infants with biliary atresia. Colaizzi's method of data analysis was utilized, using NVivo 11.0 software. RESULTS: The psychological journey and coping styles of parents could be divided into 4 stages. Different themes were extracted at different stages: before diagnosis, parents experienced complex emotions and actively sought treatment; at the diagnosis stage, negative emotions dominated and parents convinced themselves to accept reality; in the postoperative stage, positive emotions, accepting reality, active response, and the need to learn to take care of their infant gradually appeared; and at the discharge stage, parents accepted the coexistence of positive and negative emotions and the variety of needs that emerged. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings of the study may help healthcare professionals identify and focus on the psychological needs of parents of infants with biliary atresia, leading them to implement effective coping strategies to increase the caregiving ability of parents. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future research should explore the effects of supportive interventions for parents of infants with serious chronic illnesses.

A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of a Diabetic Diet Containing the Rare Sugar D-Allulose in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study.

High sugar consumption increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Regarding the diet of patients with diabetes, artificial sweeteners are considered a safe alternative to sugar; however, there is also a risk that artificial sweeteners exacerbate glucose metabolism. D-allulose (C-3 isomer of d-fructose), which is a rare sugar, has been reported to have antidiabetic and antiobesity effects. In this study, the efficacy of a diabetic diet containing D-allulose was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes using an intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring system (isCGM). This study was a validated, prospective, single-blind, randomized, crossover comparative study. Comparison of peak postprandial blood glucose (PPG) levels after consumption of a standard diabetic diet and a diabetic diet containing 8.5 g of D-allulose was the primary endpoint. A D-allulose-containing diabetic diet improved PPG levels in type two diabetes patients compared with a strictly energy-controlled diabetic diet. The results also showed a protective effect on endogenous pancreatic insulin secretory capacity owing to reduced insulin requirement. In patients with type two diabetes mellitus, diabetic diets containing 8.5 g D-allulose were effective in improving PPG levels.

Gustatory stimulus interventions for older adults with dysphagia: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Gustatory stimulus interventions have been shown to improve swallowing function in older adults with dysphagia. However, the optimal intervention strategies as well as their effects and safety remain unclear. AIMS: To explore current evidence regarding gustatory stimulus interventions for dysphagia in older adults. METHODS: Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Sinomed) were searched from their inception to August 2022. RESULTS: This review identified 263 articles, and 15 met the inclusion criteria. The types of gustatory stimulus interventions included spicy (n = 10), sour (n = 3), and mixed (sour-sweet) stimuli (n = 2), with most studies focusing on spicy stimuli. The most frequently reported spicy stimulus was capsaicin. Further, the most commonly reported intervention frequency was thrice a day before meals for 1-4 weeks. The stimuli concentrations and dosages could not be standardized due to the among-study heterogeneity. These studies reported 16 assessment tools and 42 outcomes, which mainly included videofluoroscopy and swallowing response time respectively. More than half of the included studies reported no adverse effects of gustatory stimulus interventions. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSIONS: Gustatory stimulus interventions improved swallowing function in older adults with dysphagia. However, assessment tools and outcomes for dysphagia should be standardized in the future, and explore personalized interventions based on different diseases and their stages, to determine the most cost-effective interventions, and to prevent its complications.

Non-pharmacological interventions for older adults with postprandial hypotension: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Older adults frequently suffer from postprandial hypotension, associated with an increased risk of falls, syncope, acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and even death. Researchers use non-pharmacological interventions, but related literature is dispersed and lacks a latest summary. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to map and examine non-pharmacological interventions currently employed to assist older adults with postprandial hypotension and lay a solid foundation for future studies. METHODS: This study adhered to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Chinese Biomedical Journal, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and WAN FANG Data were retrieved from their inception to 1 August 2022. RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials and seven quasi-experimental studies were included. Small meals, exercise interventions, fibre with meals, green tea and water therapy have been reported to prevent postprandial hypotension effectively; however, position changes have been reported to have no impact on postprandial blood pressure decrease. Additionally, the blood pressure determination methods and test meals may affect observed trial effects. CONCLUSION: Large samples and long-term follow-up studies are needed to prove the efficacy and safety of existing non-pharmacological interventions. Future studies should develop a BP determination method based on the postprandial BP decline trajectory induced by a given test meal to improve the reliability of study results. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This review broadly summarizes existing studies on developing and validating non-pharmacological interventions for older adults with postprandial hypotension. It also analyses special factors that may influence the trial effects. This may provide a useful reference for future research.

Glutamylation of an HIV-1 protein inhibits the immune response by hijacking STING.

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) recognizes Y-form cDNA of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and initiates antiviral immune response through cGAS-stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-TBK1-IRF3-type I interferon (IFN-I) signalingcascade. Here, we report that the HIV-1 p6 protein suppresses HIV-1-stimulated expression of IFN-I and promotes immune evasion. Mechanistically, the glutamylated p6 at residue Glu6 inhibits the interaction between STING and tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32) or autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR). This subsequently suppresses the K27- and K63-linked polyubiquitination of STING at K337, therefore inhibiting STING activation, whereas mutation of the Glu6 residue partially reverses the inhibitory effect. However, CoCl2, an agonist of cytosolic carboxypeptidases (CCPs), counteracts the glutamylation of p6 at the Glu6 residue and inhibits HIV-1 immune evasion. These findings reveal a mechanism through which an HIV-1 protein mediates immune evasion and provides a therapeutic drug candidate to treat HIV-1 infection.

Dual Charge-Transfer Channels Harmonize Carrier Separation for Efficient U(VI) Photoreduction.

The low efficient transfer of photogenerated electrons to an active catalytic site is a pivotal problem for the photoreduction of highly soluble hexavalent uranium [U(VI)] to low soluble tetravalent uranium [U(IV)]. Herein, we successfully synthesized a TiO2-x/1T-MoS2/reduced graphene oxide heterojunction (T2-xTMR) with dual charge-transfer channels by exploiting the difference in Fermi levels between the heterojunction interfaces, which induced multilevel separation of photogenerated carriers. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the presence of the electron buffer layer promoted the efficient migration of photogenerated electrons between the dual charge-transfer channels, which achieved effective separation of photogenerated carriers in physical/spatial dimensions and significantly extended the lifetime of photogenerated electrons. The migration of photogenerated electrons to the active catalytic site after multilevel spatial separation enabled the T2-xTMR dual co-photocatalyst to remove 97.4% of the high concentration of U(VI) from the liquid-phase system within 80 min. This work provides a practical reference for utilizing multiple co-catalysts to accomplish directed spatial separation of photogenerated carriers.